Entergy Texas, Inc. has commenced the process of seeking clearance to construct the Orange County Advanced Power Station, a 1,215-megawatt dual fuel combined cycle power station.
The facility, which will be constructed near Bridge City, Texas, will have the capacity to power more than 230,000 households using a combination of natural gas and hydrogen. Hydrogen as a fuel source for electric power emits no carbon dioxide.
“The Orange County Advanced Power Station is a Texas project for Texas customers,” said Sallie Rainer, president and CEO of Entergy Texas. “The addition of this facility will continue our work to provide reliable, low-cost and clean energy in Southeast Texas and will provide more than $1.5 billion in net benefits to customers by reducing reliance on energy markets.”
According to an independent economic impact analysis conducted by TXP, Inc., the building and operation of the Orange County Advanced Power Station will significantly contribute to job creation and increased economic activity. Construction is expected to generate over 7,000 direct jobs in Texas and almost $1.8 billion in economic activity in the region. Once operating, the plant will directly employ around 27 people in Texas.
Along with addressing current customer needs throughout Southeast Texas, the Orange County Advanced Power Station will prioritize long-term sustainability in an environment where many stakeholders and customers are increasingly focused on decarbonization. The facility’s capacity to run on hydrogen, which produces no carbon dioxide, ensures its long-term viability for clients and the Southeast Texas community. Today, hydrogen is widely employed in industrial operations, notably by several of Entergy Texas’ largest industrial customers. The fuel can be stored nearby in facilities such as Entergy Texas’ Spindletop storage facility and used in conjunction with natural gas to dependably create lower-emission electricity when it is needed, especially during hours when intermittent renewable energy sources are not producing power.
“Southeast Texas is well-positioned to play a key role in the transition to increased use of hydrogen in electric generation,” said Rainer. “Our region is home to hydrogen producers, pipelines, storage and industrial users. We look forward to working with industry partners on the role the Orange County Advanced Power Station will play in providing reliable power while also meeting the sustainability needs of our customers and communities, and also to establish Southeast Texas as a global hub for hydrogen production and consumption.”
Entergy Texas intends to submit a request for approval to construct the Orange County Advanced Power Station to the Texas Public Utility Commission in the coming months. If Entergy Texas’ proposal is approved by the Public Utility Commission, building will begin in the second quarter of 2023. Entergy Texas anticipates the facility will be operational by summer 2026.
